Narco-Terror Nexus Being Pushed From Pakistan Side, Army Ready To Counter Any Hybrid Threats: Gen Manoj Pande

Narco-terror Nexus: General Pande on Saturday assumed responsibility as India's 29th Chief of Army Staff.

General Manoj Pande, who took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday (File photo: Getty)

New Delhi: General Manoj Pande, who took charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday, proposed the narco-fear nexus was being moved by country's western enemy through dropping of medications and weapons in Jammu and Kashmir and different states yet the force was prepared to answer these dangers in an unfaltering way.

In an exclusive interview with ANI today, the Army chief said, “As far as the situation with Pakistan is concerned, the DGMOs arrived at an understanding a year ago that helped us in improving the situation for the civilian population at the ground level on both sides of the LoC.”

“However, I must admit that in terms of reduction in terrorist infrastructure and terrorist training camps, neither is there any evidence nor are there any signs of that happening,” Army Chief General said on Pakistan issue.

Manoj Pande also added, “On the contrary, we find that the number of terrorists operating has increased. Whilst on the LoC, the infiltration and violence levels have gone down, in the hinterland, there is no indication to that effect.”

“Significantly, due to the success of our counter infiltration grid, from the other side, there is exploitation of the narco-terror nexus. In this nexus, you see cases of smuggling contraband items and weapons which is happening across the border in both Jammu Kashmir and further south,” he said.

The Army chief asserted, “We are clear that if we see any act of terror or any hybrid threat in terms of infiltration, radicalisation through social media, then we are resolute to counter these threats and we are sure that we will succeed.”

General Pande on Saturday assumed responsibility as India's 29th Chief of Army Staff.